How Interior Designers and Decorators are Different

You've decided to have some work done on your home, and so you begin to look for a professional to help you with the project. As you begin your research, you keep coming across professionals who describe their work as interior design and others who say that they are interior decorators.

Many homeowners who are unfamiliar with these services tend to use these terms interchangeably. While this is a common occurrence, the truth is that while there are many similarities between these two jobs, there are more than a few differences between these professions – some are subtle, and some are actually quite significant.

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Interior decorators and interior designers fill two different roles in home remodeling. In this post, we'll look at both the similarities, as well as the distinct differences to help educate you to make the right choice for your next home remodeling project.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer is a professional that has completed formal training and special schooling to earn the right to practice their craft. Their schooling includes studying color and fabric, CAD (computer-aided design) training, spatial planning, furniture design, drawing, architecture, and more.

Upon graduation of their formal training, designers will typically apprentice with a registered and established interior designer or firm before moving on to establish their own companies. In some states, professional designers must pass an exam and register with a professional organization before they are considered an accredited designer; however, this is not always the case.

Designers are comfortable with spatial planning and can help design and renovate interiors – from drawing up plans to placing the last decorative accent piece. They work with homeowners to create a functional enjoyable space and consider every project element, including safety, flow, use of space, efficiency, and current trends when creating a space.

The interior designer often acts as a liaison between homeowners and the contractor performing the work. Along with working during the design stages, they also handle décor after construction is complete, for example, working to develop a color palette and working with the homeowners on furniture selection, layout, and creative accents.

Interior design focuses on the permanent aspects of the room or building; however, many pros in this field also decorate. Because these are two separate tasks, it's important to ask if your designer also offers decorator services. Learn more at the “ASID” American Society of Interior Designers.

What Does An Interior Decorator Do?

Decorators focus primarily on aesthetics and do not participate in renovations or any structural planning. To practice professionally, an interior decorator is not required to have formal training or schooling. While an interior decorator may not have as much education as an interior designer, their area of expertise is understanding how to best dress a room. For example, they may suggest changing the furniture layout to maximize a room's flow or bring in more natural light.

Good decorators are skilled at learning about their client's aesthetic and whipping a room into shape. They work with clients to decide on a style, choose a color palette, purchase furniture, and accessorize.

Many professional decorators have college degrees in related fields, but it is not required to practice. While no schooling is required, many programs and certifications are available from organizations like CID (Certified Interior Decorators International).

While an interior designer can also handle décor, the reverse is not true. A decorator might work for a design-build firm or contractor, but typically they work as independent contractors, and legally, a decorator can not do design. Some professionals use the term interchangeably; however, this is a red flag!

Decorators typically don't work with contractors or architects, and any structural work is typically complete before they arrive on the job site. They do, however, work with furniture makers, upholsterers, and other business professionals.

What They Work On...

If you're still not sure whether you need a designer or a decorator, here's a quick checklist that looks at each job a bit more closely...

Interior Designers:

Remodel kitchens and bathrooms
Expand a closet into a walk-in
Renovate outdoor living spaces
Convert a garage, attic, or basement into usable living space
Assist with new construction
Add a new room, level, or addition

Interior Decorators:

Create and unify a theme throughout the homeowners
Stage a house for sale
Decorate a home office
Covert a guest room into a nursery
Select a new color scheme and furniture for a multi-purpose space
Create a modern living room design

So Should You Hire a Decorator or Interior Designer?

Who you hire completely depends on your needs. In fact, you may choose to hire an interior designer to help design your kitchen and a decorator to help you choose wallpaper, furnishings, and window treatments for your open concept dining room.

As a general rule, if your project requires structural changes like removing a wall, or relocating utilities, an interior designer is a better choice. On the flip side, if your project requires aesthetic help with no structural changes, an interior decorator is a great choice.

In the end, choosing the right professional comes down to the skills they offer, not just their job title. Many designers with years of formal schooling spend their time doing what can best be described as decorating since it involves no structural work. And there are just as many professional decorators who have years of experience working with contractors and builders in much the same way as a designer.

When hiring a professional, begin by defining your own needs and looking for a pro who has a proven track record for meeting those needs, no matter their job title. A great option is to work with a design-build firm that offers complete services in house and can help you with your project's every step, from the earliest planning stages, through construction.

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are considering a home renovation design and project, give the award-winning design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We can help you make the right choices to meet your needs and fit your budget. Call today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.